Gratitude....

This is somewhat off topic but this is where my thoughts have taken me today. At a friend's get together she was talking about friendship and building relationships and it made me realize how far I have come in this area. I used to shun friends or potential friends who I did not immediately click with. My two closest friends today are women that on the surface I have little in common with. But it is our common values that make the friendship work. The friend whose get-together I was at appears to be coming to this same conclusion. She is a little older than me and like me her social circle consists of women that she does not instantly connect with. She appreciates that they are good people and is making the effort to develop stronger relationships.

I am grateful that I figured this out and have been able to build strong friendships over the years. As difficult as the last few weeks have been, my friends have truly come through for me and I am very grateful. My friend Lisa, who upon reading my text that I though my husband was gone came over despite my protests that i was fine. My friend Sarita who was giving birth as this was happening and despite being exhausted was there for me to talk to from the time I told her what had happened. My friend Linda said (and continues to say) prayers. My friend Diana, who sat in my office with me while I read awful texts from my husband and cried. My friend Kathy, who listened and got it and validated my feelings. My friend Pam, who is in another state, sent emails that would pop up first thing in the morning that were what I needed to start the day. My friend Sandra, who listened and helped me compose what to tell my kids. My newest friend Leslie, who regularly offers to watch my kids and to spend time and talk.

And I cannot forget my brother, who flew in for a 48 hour visit and who showed me and the kids an awesome weekend.

There are many things that are just plain lousy right now. But my friends have been amazing. I have spent the majority of my adult life "not needing anyone". I never let down my guard and thus people/friends don't worry much about me. Their other more needy friends get the attention.

Thank you friends and my brother for everything.